It surprises many of our clients in Ghana and Nigeria: “How can I be low in vitamin D? We have sunshine all year.” Yet low levels are common, even here — and more common still among women in the diaspora.
Why Sunshine Is Not Always Enough
- Darker skin makes vitamin D more slowly from the same amount of sun.
- Office work, long commutes and indoor lifestyles limit exposure.
- Covering the skin fully, for comfort or faith, reduces production.
- Higher body weight can lower available vitamin D.
- In the UK, Europe and North America, winter sun is too weak to make much at all — the NHS advises many people to take a supplement in autumn and winter.
The Fertility Connection
Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin. Receptors for it are found in the ovaries, the womb lining and the testicles. Research has linked low levels with poorer outcomes in some fertility studies, and with conditions such as PCOS and insulin resistance. The evidence is still developing — vitamin D is not a magic key — but deficiency is easy to test and easy to correct.
Signs You Might Be Low
- Tiredness that does not lift
- Aching bones or muscles
- Low mood
- Frequent infections
- Often, no signs at all
What to Do
- Ask for a blood test (25-hydroxy vitamin D) rather than guessing.
- If you are low, follow the dose your health professional recommends — very high doses taken without testing can cause harm.
- Get regular, sensible sun on your arms and face.
- Eat oily fish, eggs and fortified foods.
- Test your husband too — it matters for sperm health.
We routinely ask about vitamin D when building a preconception plan. Talk with us about yours.
Related Reading
At Ohemaa Fertile Home, we provide guided herbal fertility support rooted in three generations of traditional knowledge. We serve women across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora. Reach out to us on WhatsApp for a free, confidential consultation.
